The Effect of the Extended Parallel Process Model on Self-efficacy of Spouses of Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

 Spouses of veterans face many psychological problems, so it is necessary to use different methods to manage the care of veterans and their spouses.

 This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the extended parallel process model (EPPM) on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 The present study was semi-experimental research carried out by control and intervention groups with a pre-test and post-test design. Thirty veterans' spouses were selected randomly and divided into two groups: the control group (15 people) and the group trained with EPPM (15 people). The intervention type was the training, and the method of implementation of the intervention was holding six sessions. The training was based on EPPM; each session was 30 to 40 minutes. The parenting self-agency measure (PSAM) questionnaire evaluated the self-efficacy variable before and after the intervention. Finally, the results were analyzed using statistical tests in the SPSS software Version 21 environment at the significance level (α = 0.05).

 The independent samples t-test showed that the self-efficacy level before the intervention was not significantly different among all two study groups (P=0.18). At the same time, this difference was significant after the intervention (P<0.001). In addition, based on the paired samples t-test, there was no significant difference in the level of self-efficacy in the pre-and post-intervention steps for the control group (P=0.89). At the same time, the above-mentioned subject had a significant difference for the group of trained with EPPM (P<0.001).

 Based on the results, the EPPM Model had a significant positive effect on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with PTSD. Therefore, the model above should be implemented continuously to improve how veteran care is managed and planned for veterans' spouses.